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B-21 Top Recommendation Read More
Latour-Martillac remains one of the great value estates on the Left Bank, and this is especially true in outstanding vintages like the ones on offer today. With classic Graves terroir and expert winemaking, these wines consistently punch way above their weight class, as you can clearly see in the bevy of excellent press that accompanies each one.
The highlights of the list are undoubtedly the 96-point 2019, which is "gorgeous, so bright and precise," delivering unreal bang for the buck at under $40, and the astounding 97-point 2022. Jeb Dunnuck dubs this powerhouse "a remarkably pure, medium to full-bodied Pessac-Léognan ... a brilliant 2022 that should be snatched up by readers." Of course, sharp-eyed collectors shouldn't over the 95-point 2018 or the "harmonious and well-defined" 2020.
Last but certainly not least, the estate's white has always served as a reference-point for the category, made in part from Semillon vines over 140 years old. With 94-point potential according to several critics, the 2023 Blanc is "beautifully textured, rich, yet still racy white with tons to love," proving once again that Graves' whites are sometimes every bit as compelling as its reds.
Whether you pick your favorite or go in for the whole vertical, you can rest assured you're getting some of the best quality-to-price character that the Left Bank has to offer. |
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I loved the 2019 Château Latour-Martillac, and I under-rated it from barrel. Revealing a dense ruby/plum color as well as a gorgeous bouquet of blackcurrants, black cherry, smoked tobacco, gravely earth, and chocolate, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a round, layered mouthfeel, supple tannins, and one heck of a finish. It's beautifully done and will cruise for 25+ years in cold cellars. It needs plenty of air if drinking any time soon.
96 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Apr 2022)
Sweet berry, spice, tobacco and dried rose-petal aromas. Full-bodied with beautifully integrated tannins and a creamy, polished texture. Refined and complex. One of the best young bottles ever from here. Better after 2025.
95 points, James Suckling (Mar 2022)
Beautiful depth to the flavours here, this is just gorgeous, so bright and precise, with cassis, blackberry, bilberry, raspberry, a real array of fruit flavours, textures and acidity levels combining to give real complexity. 40% new oak, harvest September 19 to October 11. Great freshness and juice on the finish; this is a superlative Latour Martillac.
94 points, Jane Anson (Mar 2022)